Analyst: XRP Could Top $15 in 2026 as Supply Tightens and ETF Demand Rises
An analyst predicts Ripple’s XRP could exceed $15 in 2026, citing historical measured-move patterns and tightening available supply as primary drivers. The note compares XRP’s current technical setup to its 2017 breakout, projecting a potential near eightfold rally (~690%+) if structural resistance clears and demand accelerates. Exchange balances have declined to roughly 1.5 billion XRP, with about 750 million recently absorbed; ETFs are also taking in hundreds of millions of XRP, reducing freely tradable supply. Analysts describe the process as a gradual supply squeeze rather than a single shock, warning that timing remains uncertain. Short-term price action shows XRP testing the $1.92 area amid Bitcoin strength; key technical risk is a drop below $1.82. Traders are watching the XRP/BTC pair — a breakout above 0.000028 BTC from ~0.000025 could signal broader altcoin rotation. The outlook hinges on the pace at which ETF inflows and falling exchange inventories intersect with rising demand.
Bullish
The analyst’s thesis is bullish because it combines technical history (a measured move mirroring 2017) with on-chain supply dynamics — falling exchange balances and ETF accumulation reduce available float, creating the potential for rapid repricing if demand rises. Historically, constrained exchange supply coupled with rising demand (e.g., Bitcoin ETF inflows, token lockups) has preceded sharp upmoves in crypto markets. Short-term risks remain — technical support around $1.82 and BTC-driven correlations could limit upside or trigger pullbacks. However, the gradual nature of the supply squeeze means volatility and rapid directional moves are possible once momentum shifts. For traders: expect higher upside skew but prepare for volatile entries; watch exchange balances, ETF inflows, XRP/BTC breakout above 0.000028 BTC, and the $1.82 support level for trade signals.